North Korea’s covert footprint in the Bay of Bengal! Myanmar is building its first formidable submarine. North Korea’s intelligence knocks in the Bay of Bengal! Myanmar is building its first dangerous submarine

A new and extremely shocking geopolitical development is unfolding in India’s maritime neighborhood and the calm waters of the Bay of Bengal. According to strategic experts and intelligence reports, Myanmar’s military government (junta) is busy building its first indigenous submarine with the help of North Korea. The entry of Kim Jong Un’s country North Korea in this intelligence project has surprised defense experts all over the world. Since the Bay of Bengal is directly connected to India’s Eastern Naval Command and strategic bases, this new alliance between Myanmar and North Korea can directly pose a new security challenge for New Delhi.

Myanmar’s secret submarine project and North Korean connections

International security analysts claim that Myanmar has been trying to modernize its navy for a long time. For this, it first acquired an old Sindhughosh class submarine (INS Sindhuveer) from India and later a Ming-class submarine from China. But now Myanmar wants to develop its own submarine capability. In this work, military and technical assistance is being taken from North Korea, which is already considered adept in missile and submarine technology despite international sanctions. This secret deal between North Korean engineers and Myanmar naval officers could upset the balance of power in the Indian Ocean.

Has there been a big threat to India’s national security?

This juxtaposition of North Korea and Myanmar in the Bay of Bengal is definitely a matter of concern for India. India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands are very close to this region, where the only Tri-Services Command of the Indian Army is located. With Myanmar having modern submarine technology and increasing activity of North Korean or Chinese intelligence agencies there, it will become extremely important to increase surveillance of the security of India’s eastern coast, Visakhapatnam naval base and our missile testing range (Wheeler Island). However, the Indian Navy is keeping a close watch on the entire region through its strong presence and submarine-hunter aircraft like the P-8I Poseidon.

Triangle of China, Myanmar and North Korea: What will be India’s next strategy?

Another worrying aspect of this whole matter is that China also has a huge influence on Myanmar. If Myanmar, North Korea and China together form a new triangle in the Bay of Bengal, it will directly challenge India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and maritime security. Defense experts believe that India should further strengthen its diplomatic and defense ties with the military government of Myanmar to prevent them from completely going over to the side of China or North Korea. Along with this, India will have to further sharpen its anti-submarine warfare capabilities so that any potential threat can be neutralized in time.